CIA Lock Picking Field Operative Training Manual

Lock Picking

Field Operative
Training Manual

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

Introduction iv

Basic Lock Picking 1

The Concepts Behind Lock Picking ... 3

Picking Procedure ... 7

Tool Design 9

Most Common Picking Techniques . . 19

The Lockpicking Process . . . , 21

Conclusions . .... ............ 47

iii

INTRODUCTION

There has been much opinion and little fact written on
the subject of lock picking. It will be my purpose to
clarify the facts about this process and at the same time
train you in proper procedure so that before you leave
this class today, you will at least have picked one lock.
Please note that to become truly proficient you must
devote much time and patience in the future.

In this volume we will discuss not only the fundamental
theories of lock picking but proper terminology, the im-
portance of tool design (using the right tool for the right
job), the effects of tolerances, and finally the techniques
most commonly used by locksmiths to successfully pick
the vast majority of standard pin and wafer tumbler
locks.

iv

CHAPTER

BASIC LOCK PICKING

First of aH lock picking must be divided into two
categories which are commonly confused:

The first category is picking (the act of carefully
manipulating one pin at a time for the expressed pur-
pose of duplicating the action of the proper cut key in a
given cylinder, by something other than the proper cut
key itself).

The second category is raking (the less specific act of
taking a raking instrument for the expressed purpose of
gliding the tool across tumblers of approximately the
same depth in a general yet sequential fashion).

Either of these techniques is intended to be a method of
convenience for opening locks in emergency type situa-
tions. Obviously, the method for making keys referred
to as impressioning would be far more desirable since
both processes take about the same time and only one
yields both an open lock and a working key. However,
there are times when picking is the most logical method
to use (i.e. when someone is locked out of a house or car
and the keys are inside). Both methods are predicated
on their efficiency and, should either take an undue
amount of time, it is questionable how worthwhile thej^j^
are when a method such as drilling is so quick and sure,
though more expensive.

1

In order to understand how to compromise a lock there
are certain steps which are essential to laying a proper
foundation. They are: A thorough working knowledge of
the lock mechanism, how it functions, and the ability to
recognize these factors so that you are able to overcome
them.

CHAPTER

THE CONCEPTS BEHIND
LOCK PICKING

Have you ever thought, “Just what is it that actually
allows us to pick a lock?'* It is the inability of the
manufacturer of any product to machine parts to an
almost flawless level of tolerance. Even if they could
reasonably approach their goals, the expense alone
would be astronomical

Therefore, we, as locksmiths, are able to pick a lock, so
to speak, due to the reality of this situation. To see
specifically what is involved, we must look at a tj^pical
cylinder.

FIGURE 1

Space around the plug

The tolerance inadequacies to which I refer can be
categorized for easy reference. The first is the difference
between the plug and the shell. An acceptable amount of

3

difference is approximately .006 or about .0025 all
around the plug (see Figure 1).

The process by which the keyway is “cut'’ into the plug
is called broaching. This process is easily observed when

a blank or cut key is inserted in the keyway and “play”
is felt due to a significant tolerance differential.

Probably the most significant problem of this sort is the
drilling of the chambers. This takes three forms: Plug di-
ameter differential |Fig. 3), off-center chambers (Fig. 4),

FIGURE 3 ~]

I Diameter differential between plug

I and hole cut into shell

and concentricity (Fig. 5). This is caused by the cost
effective but necessarily imperfect process used to
manufacture these cylinders, namely gang drilling— a

4

FIGURE 4

■

1

■

1

9

1

1

Chambers are slightly off-center
due to imperfect drilling procedure

process by which you drill all the chambers at once —
and sequential drilling where you drill one chaunber
after the other. (See illustrations.) In either case, both
methods are imperfect because the drill bit itself
changes a microscopic amount each time it is used to

drill a chamber. It is no surprise then, that after a hun-
dred or a thousand holes the diameter and the centering
functions based on its original diameter are no longer
accurate. However, in deference to the manufacturer, he
could not possibly stay in business and change the bit
for each hole of set of holes. We are therefore left

5

with a necessary evil, but one which we can use to great
advantage.

When turning tension is applied to the core (without the
proper key inserted) again tolerance plays a large role in
the next operation . . . Not all of the pins will bind at the
same time. Locate those pins, lift them to the correct
position (shear line). Follow by doing the same to the
next pins to reach the cylinder housing. The only ob-
jects which keep the lock from opening are the pins.

CHAPTER

PICKING PROCEDURE

In order to have your best chance to pick a given
cylinder, you must not only be aware of the information
that we have provided, but be able to properly utilize it.
First, ascertain whether or not the cylinder can be pick*
ed. Does it operate? Can you manipulate each individual
group of pins within each pin chamber? If you can, then
by all means proceed with the picking and/or raking

FIGURE 6 I

process. If not, there is another alternative if you still in-
tend to pick the lock. This problem is more common
than you might imagine. Having set your mind upon

7

picking the cylinder, but faced with the problem of
** frozen” pins in one or more chambers, the best
strategy is to clean and lubricate the lock. This can be
accomplished several ways. The preferred methods are
shown in figure 6 and figure 7.

FIGURE 7 ““ ^ ^ ^ I

Lubricating graphite gun
loosens tight wafers and pins

NOTE: After the application of any solvent or lubricant,
impressioning will become difficult, if not impossible.

8

CHAPTER

TOOL DESIGN

Tool design is a c^ect result of the function it will be re-
quired to perform, and falls into one of three major
categories: The hook tool, used when the adjacent bot-
tom pin lengths are significantly different |Le., 72618).
This tool is advantageous for this type of situation, as it
allows you to get behind the larger pins in order to prop-
erly reach the smaller ones and manipulate them open.

The diamond pick, which is advantageous due to its
design in the manipulation of wafer tumblers, which are
more fragile and spaced much closer together.

The rake is intended to do just what its name suggests,
and is ideal for those situations where all the tumblers
are approximately the same size or graduaOy rise and
fail(i.e„ 34454, 34565).

9

11

12

13

Other individual styles of picks are usually just a
modification of one of these groups.

The other tool used in the act of picking is the tension
wrench, or more properly, the turning tool This tool is
as or more important than it^lf but is often

overlooked. Too much pressure has defeated more
would-be pickers than the wrong type of pick. The main :
thing to remember is to use only the lightest amount of
pressure necessary to turn the lock. Any more, and you
bind the pins so tightly that you make them work
against you instead of for you.

Turning tools come in basically 6 groups: light, medium,
and heavy duty material and narrow, medium, and wide
widths to suit any type of lockpicking situation.

Before you use your tension tool, try raking with the
pick a few times. While inserting the pick ail the way in
the keyway with the tip in contact with the pins, remove
the pick with a quick motion keeping an upward

14

pressure on the pins. Repeat this operation again, in
slowly and out with a slight snap. Now you are ready to
use the tension tool There are many tension tools to
choose from. To start with, I suggest you choose a tool
of medium weight and length.

See diagram of other tension tools on the following page

15

NOTES

CHAPTER

MOST COMMON
PICKING TECHNIQUES

The most common techniques for lock picking are rak-
ing (where a rake type tool is gently, or in some cases
vigorously, pulled along all the tumblers in a rather
general way), rather than targeting for specific in-
dividual pins as in the case of No. 2, picking each in-
dividual chamber. Third is a technique where you
would combine the first two. That is, you rake and then
specifically target for those pins you may have missed
during the initial raking attempts.

Of course, no discussion would be complete without at
least mentioning the pick gun. This is a tool that works
on the principle of percussion much like cylinder
rapping. It is really an effective method once you have
mastered the timing necessary to make it work. It con-
sists of the following procedure: Put the tip of the pick
gun into the cylinder keyway to be picked. Then, mak-
ing sure that the pick will strike the pins at a right
angle, pull the trigger. At virtually the same moment
that the bottom pins are hit, the percussion causes all
the top pins to fly straight up towards the top of the pin
chamber for an instant, creating an enormous gap. ft ts
in that instant that you must turn the plug with your

19

FIGURE 14

turning tool, opening the lock. It is this ricochet effect
that makes this unique tool so valuable in situations in-
volving specialty pins and cylinders.

NOTE: Specialty items will be discussed in the next
book, entitled Advanced Lock Picking,

20

CHAPTER

During the lockpicking process, the barest amount of
turning pressure is exerted while you ‘‘feeF’ the condi-
tion of the pins in the chambers.

Note: While the ideal condition is matching top and bot-
tom pins in each chamber to maintain the same pressure
in each chamber to insure the best possible cylinder
operation, only purists would say that this is essential.

Spool pin

Standard pin

Mushroom pin

Serrated pin

Wafer

tumbler

Specialty pins along with standard pin and wafer tumbler

21

as evidenced by the fact that almost all of the maj or lock
manufacturers have gone to a universal top pin.
However, such specialty items as mushroom, spool, and
serrated pins still have to be taken into account and
treated as special cases (see Figure 15).

There are three conditions in which you can find the pins
in any given chamber once you have ascertained that
the lock is operating properly and is therefore pickable.
The pins, due to the problems with tolerance differen-
tials acquired unavoidably during the manufacturing
process, will pick only one at a time no matter how short
that span of time may be.

Upon doing your initial raking, the first condition is
that the pin is in the unpicked position (see Figure 16).

FIGURE 16 1

Pins are in the unpicked position

The second possibility is that the pins in the chamber
are merely bound (see Figure 17).

The final possibility is that the pins in the chamber are
under pressure, but not bound up (see Figure 18).

Simply continue the process of analyzing the condition
of each chamber until they are all picked and the lock is
opened.

22

FIGURE 17

Pins in
the chamber
are bound

NOTE: The pins wii not necessarily pick in their regular
order. By this. I mean that pin number 1 will not
necessarily pick first. Perhaps, pin No. 1 will pick fifth
and pin No. 3 will pick first, and so on.

FIGURE 18“

■

o n u O cl

Pins are not bound up but are
under pressure due to off-center chambers

Raking is the most common method used today. It is
the fastest to use and the quickest to learn. The raking
method will work in opening most cylinders where there
is not a sudden change in pin sizes, such as a combina-
tion of 7-2-6- 1-8, where there is one long pin, one short'
pin, one long pin, and so on.

23

FIGURE 19

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a CO

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bo 2
c «
IS c
£ ‘S.

u 0)
0) u
-D C

c .2

^ k.
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24

FIGURE 20

The pick you choose for raking should be able to move in
and out freely in the upper half of the keyway so it will
come into contact with all pins.

25

The tension tool and its use are the whole trick to raking
or picking. Insert tension tool into the bottom of the
keyway.

26

FIGURE 23

Applying correct tension to the cylinder

Then apply very light tension in the direction to unlock
the lock. I stress the point: do not use too much tension.
You must develop a light touch with the hand that ap-
plies the tension. If tension is too heavy, the top pins
will bind below the shear-line and will not allow the
breaking-point to meet the shearline.

27

FIGURE 25

Now, with light tension applied, go through the raking
operation, in slowly and out with a snap with upward
pressure on the pins with the tip only.

Repeat this operation three or four times. If the plug
does not turn and open the lock, release the tension on

28

the plug™- but, before releasing tension, put your ear
close to the cylinder and listen for the sound of the pins
clicking back into the down position. Release tension
slowly so you can hear all the pins. If there is no sound,
you were applying too little or too much tension, not
allowing the breaking-point to bind at the shear-line.

FIGURE 27 ^ ^ 1

Hear the pins cikking back down
into the original locked position

Repeat the raking operation varying the tension, some-
what lighter or heavier than on the first try. With prac-
tice, you will gain the right touch in applying tension,
and you will find that you can open most cylinders in a
few takings. I suggest you set up a cylinder with only a
two pin combination to start with for practice. You
should have the cylinder on a large mount, on a door, or
held firmly in a vise. Do not try holding the cylinder in
your hand while raking it. After you have conquered the
two pin combination, go on to a three pin and so on, untO
you can rake a six or seven pin cylinder. I have found

29

riiaunc: xo

that in some cylinders, where I have tried raking the
regular tension and had no luck in opening them, I
would then use a slight pulsating tension, but again—
not too heavy.

FIGURE 29 “ ~

When using the pulsating tension, go from very light to
a medium amount of torque, but at all times, when

30

FIGURE 30

pulsating to the very light, do not lose tension on the
pins completely. You will find, in raking cylinders, some
will open very easily, regardless of the pin combination.
This is due to the poor construction of some cylinders.
As a rule, the lower the price of the cylinder, the easier it
picks. The low-priced cylinder is manufactured with
greater clearances on all parts so that the cost of

FIGURE 3 1 "" 1

31

assembly will be kept low. The following characteristics
are commonly found in low-priced cylinders; too much
chamfer on the top of the bottom pin; die-cast plug and
body with poor hole alignment; and, over-sized pin
holes; too much clearance between plug and body.

This is an aid for the manufacturer in the assembly of
the cylinder, but it is also an aid for the locksmith who
must pick the cylinder. Higher-priced cylinders are
manufactured with much less clearance. They are usual-
ly constructed from brass bar stock, both body and

FIGURE 33” 1

32

plug. The pin holes are drilled and reamed for a close fit
with the pins and when the plug and body are drilled
while together the hole alignment is excellent. But, in
spite of the fine construction, you still can pick or rake it
open. It might take a little longer— it might take some
adjustment in the tension — it may have to be picked in-
stead of being raked, but you can do it. No matter how
minute the clearances are, there are clearances, or the
parts would not go together and this is what makes
picking and raking possible. At times you will come
across a cylinder that you can not pick or rake in a
reasonable length of time. Even the expert runs into
these same problems. Do not become discouraged. Most
locks can be picked or raked in a short time. Do not
waste hours working on an extremely difficult cylinder.
You will soon be able to determine just how much time
to spend on picking or raking a cylinder before resorting
to other methods such as drilling.

I have not gone into the handling of the tools. You will
probably develop your own personal grip, but for my
suggestions see Figure 34.

33

Try any one of the grips shown in the illustrations. The
most important thing to remember at this point, is that
the tools must be comfortable in your hands. I sug-
gested at the start that you use a medium weight and
length tension tool, but after you have been raking for
awhile, you may prefer to try your skill with a light
weight or rigid tension tool. You will soon find which
tool is best for you.

FIGURE 35“ 1

Cut-away view of spring loaded plug

When raking a lock which has a spring-loaded plug such
as most padlocks see Figure 35.

As you apply tension to the plug, you will be working
against the direct pressure of a spring which is used in
the locking of the shackle and returning of the plug to
the locked position. This lock will require more tension.
Use one of the rigid tools (see Figure 13),

34

Also if you push inward on the shackle of the padlock, it
will relieve some of the spring pressure on the plug (see
Figure 36).

FIGURE 36 I

Push downward on shackle
td relieve spring pressure on plug

If you discover that you have raked the plug in the-
wrong direction and the lock will not open, this is no
problem. If the lock was very easy to pick, just apply,
tension in the other direction and re-rake it open. Now, if

FIGURE 37'

I Plug spinners or flip-its

Turning to the left Turning to the right

35

you have raked the lock in the wrong direction and open-
ed it with difficulty, hold it right there. Do not lock it
and re-rake it. There is a tool just for this purpose (see
Figure 37).

This pair of coiled springs with handles, one coiled to the
left and one coiled to the right, will be referred to as Flip-
Its- The first procedure is to determine if the left or right
hand Flip-It is required. This is done by facing the lock
and visualizing the handle pointing towards you and the
flange inserted into the top of the key way. If the plug is

36

turned to the right, your handle will be to the right of
the cylinder — and if the plug is turned to the left, your
handle will be to the left of the cylinder (see Figure
38).

Now, say that your plug is turned to the left and this is
in the wrong direction for opening the lock. You may
have to get the plug to go to the right. Carefully remove
the pick and tension tool. Next insert a small screw-
driver into the lower portion of the keyway on the raked
lock. Keep the tension on the plug with the screwdriver.
Do not allow the plug to slip into the original locked
position. You already have chosen the proper flip-it.
Now place the centered flange end of the coil into the
upper section of the keyway. Grasping the small handle
of the coil, strongly wind the flip-it toward the
direction into which the plug is to be turned. This will
be to the right. At the same time, remember to keep the
plug in position firmly with the screwdriver. With a
quick yank, pull back the screwdriver. The tension of
the flip-it will snap the plug over to the opposite
direction quickly enough to prevent the pins from
falling back into their locked positions. After practicing
this procedure, you will find the tool is quite easy to
use. Occasionally, you will come across a cylinder that
rakes easier in one direction than the other and if you
have to rake it into the unlocking direction, you will
find this tool quite handy.

Now, for the method of picking. When picking a
cylinder, you will be lifting one pin at a time, for this
we would use a hook-type pick (see Figure 8).

You apply tension in the same manner as you did when
raking. The insert the pick all the way into the keyway
and raise up the last pin until the breaking point will
bind at the shear-line (see Figure 39).

Then proceed to the next pin until you work your way
out of the keyway. Be sure to keep tension on the plug

37

FIGURE 39

Raise up last pin until
breaking point binds at shear line

during the entire process. After each pin is picked, you
will feel the bottom pin become free of the downward
spring pressure. But, don't be fooled just because the
bottom pin is free. This doesn’t mean it's picked. You
may have been applying too much tension to the plug
and caused the top pin to bind below the shear-line (see
Figure 40).

38

When it is {nroperly picked, you should feel a very sHght
give in f^e tuniiiig of the plug (see Figure 41).

39

the tension. You must develop that touch with your ten-
sion hand. To practice picking, do so as I suggested in
the raking method. Set up a cylinder with two pins, pick
it a few times, then set it up with three pins, and so on
until you are able to pick a six or even a seven-pin
cylinder.

Ail the previous directions have been for pin-tumbler
cylinders. When dealing with the disc-tumbler, see
Figure 42.

FIGURE 42

Single sided
disc tumbler cylinder

I find that the raking method is all that is required for
opening these locks. The raking is performed in the
same manner as that of raking a pin-tumbler cylinder.
You will find they rake open quite easily. The tension is
also used in the same manner as that of the pin-tumbler
cylinders. The only variation would be in the double-
sided disc or wafer cylinder (see Figure 43).

40

FIGURE 43

Double sided
disc tumbler cylinder

The double-sided cylinder usually requires a different
tension tool (see Figure 13).

Double-sided locks can be raked in two different ways.
Number 1 —with the use of a standard raking tool— but
I suggest the single or double ball pick which I have
found to work very well. Apply tension in the same man-
ner as you did with all other picking and raking. How-
ever, if you are using a double-sided tension tool, it will
fit in the top and bottom of the key way (see Figure 44).

41

After you have applied tension, you begin to rake the up-
per discs or wafers as you would have in the single-sided
lock. When you feel a slight give in the tension of the
plug, you switch your raking to the bottom— but do not
let up on the tension. You rake the lower discs or wafers
in the same way as you did the upper ones, but use a
downward pressure when pulling the rake out (see
Figure 45),

It would be like raking a pin tumbler cylind^ that was
installed upside-down. Now for the second method of
raking double-sided locks. Use double-sided picks (see
Figure 46).

You will find these tools very effective in opening most
disc-tumbler double-sided locks. With these tools, no
tension tool is required if there is no spring tension on
the plug. As a general rule, ^rlng tension will be found
only in padlocks or shunt switches (see Figure 47).

Insert tip of picking tool all the way into the keyway.
Rock tool rather rapidly up and down while pushing
slowly and gently inward. If pick binds part way in.

42

43

remove tool and reverse to pick prongs on other side and
try again. A pick whose bittings are incompatible with
the key-way alignment will not go all the way in. Do not
force. When tool is inserted all the way picking action is
begun by a moderately rapid up and down rocking mo-
tion together with a twisting toward the unlocking
direction (see Figure 48).

This up and down rocking should not exceed a one and
one-half inch arc at the handle end {see Figure 49).

CJombine the rocking and the light twisting motion with
a slow in and out raking. Forcing the tool would distort

FIGURE 49

Up and down rocking of tool
not to exceed a 1 Vz inch arc

44

the prongs and may lead to breakage. Each of the four
tools should be tried out using this action. Explore all
eight possibilities until a lock opening is made. After
removal of the pick, make sure the fork ends are
straight. Re-bend to a parallel position if it becomes
necessary. Most double-sided cylinders unlock to the
right, clockwise. When picking the double-sided
padlocks or shunt switches a heavier tension is required.
We suggest the use of the W-6 (see Figure 13).

In this case, the tension tool is usually required for these
types of locks. Also, the pressing down on the shackle at
the same time while raking will help relieve some of the
turning tension. You will find both methods work very
well after a little practice.

By foUowing these instructions, you should soon
become proficient in the raking and picking of pin-
tumblers, single and double-sided disc and wafer locks.

45

NOTES

CONCLUSIONS

Lock picking can be an effective method for opening
locks, only if certain conditions present themselves (i.e.
the pins must be free and the cylinder, in general, opera-
tional). However, we must not let ego get in the way
when we determine the best method for a gi^^en situa-
tion. After all, there is nothing wrong with drilling a lock
to get it open, if that is the most time efficient and cost
effective method for your customer. Remember, labor is
more expensive (in most cases) than product. It is not
logical to stand outside picking a lock for one hour, even
if you finally do open it, when you can drill and replace
most common cylinders in mere moments.

Picking is a skill that will only improve with practice,
experience, and dedication, but the rewards in a large
variety of situations will be incalculable in terms of time
and money.

47